Stags sign experienced fullback
CHAD.co.uk, 21 January 2009, By Tim Morriss
MANSFIELD Town have snapped up experienced left full back Paul Mayo (27) - the eighth permanent signing by new boss David Holdsworth.
CHAD report here

He would seem to be a replacement for Alex Jeannin, who was transfer listed yesterday.

Mayo has joined from local rivals Notts County - meaning the Stags now have both first team full backs from the Magpies - until the end of the season.

His arrival continues a massive period of upheaval at Field Mill - and that will continue at this afternoon's reserve match at Shrewsbury which will feature several triallists.

He has made almost 250 Football League appearances and began his career at Lincoln City, whom he rejoined after two years and a £65,000 transfer to Watford.

The defender rejected new terms at The Imps to join Notts County in the summer of 2007 and has made 14 starts for the Magpies so far this season, along with two substitute appearances.

He told the club's official website mansfieldtown.net :"I have played here (at Field Mill) numerous times in the past and I know it is a good club which is well supported.

"I already know five to six of the players here already. Alan Marriott, only lives down the road from me, so I'll be travelling into training with him.

"I spoke to Alan and he explained what a good club it is, and he was impressed with the club and the training ground.

"David Holdsworth seems like a top bloke and he didn't need to do too much selling in order for me to come."

On Monday Holdsworth signed two players, Anthony Howell and Curtis Shaw, from his former club Ilkeston and brought in another player, Levi Reid, on loan, while defender Chris Wood went out on loan to Ilkeston.

NOTTS County left back Paul Mayo this week became the latest signing by new Stags boss David Holdsworth, as the Mansfield Town player merry-go-round continued to revolve.
The 27-year-old is no stranger to a number of the Stags squad as he has played with five or six of them before at Lincoln City and Notts and is a neighbour of new keeper Alan Marriott.

As he prepared for his debut at Lewes on Saturday, Mayo tells Chad in this exclusive video interview about his aspirations after dropping out of League football to join the Stags' survival battle for the rest of the season.

He becomes the third player to be placed on the list by the new manager, along with winger Nathan Arnold and goalkeeper Jason White.

Holdsworth has also allowed utility player Gavin Hurren and striker Jason lee to leave the club - for King's Lynn and Kettering.

Jeannin, a French full-back, joined the Stags last summer, having been brought to Field Mill from Oxford by ex-manager Billy McEwan.

He has made 31 appearances so far this season, mainly at left back.

Holdsworth told mansfieldtown.net: "It would be unfair to keep a player who we may not play. Therefore, it is in both our interests that he is placed on the transfer list."

Field Mill has been a busy players for players coming in and out of the club since Holdsworth was appointed manager shortly after Christmas - with rumours that experienced midfielder Craig Armstrong could be the latest triallist.

CHAD, 22 January 2009 ,By John Lomas
ALEX Jeannin could still have a future at Field Mill - but it is up to him to impress on the training pitch.
The Frenchman was placed on the transfer list this week as manager David Holdsworth warned others could follow.

But he said:"Alex's future may lie elsewhere. But if he is professional he will want to show me he can perform a role for us somewhere. I am certainly not shoving him out of the window.

"I must say that Alex Jeannin is a good football player. I just don't see him as a left back. That's just my opinion and what I am paid for.

"Without being rude to anyone, that has been a problem area and I was a little bit disappointed at the number of crosses and penetration Crawley had from that side on Saturday. So I decided to bring Paul Mayo in.

"He has an abundance of experience in that position and also a long throw which we can use as another weapon."

He added: "All I am trying to do is be honest with my players.

"I will tell them their futures to their faces and they have to accept it. I won't hide or lie to them. I was in that position myself as a player and didn't like it after a manager told me a few porkies.

"We are all men here and have to be truthful. If they have opportunities then I wouldn't stand in their way.

"There will be some 5,000 players available in the summer and, in thsi economic climate, I wouldn't want to be in that boat.

"I want to be fair and not keep anyone here with false promises. Lads have families which is the most important thing in the world and they have to consider those if opportunities come along now.